So many questions

Alnik
Alnik Member Posts: 56
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hello its been awhile since ive had so many questions and concerns. Im currently in treatment again i made it 11 months before having to start over. I started on carboplatanum for 1 treatment then i had severe reaction im currently taking Avastin, ive done 5 rounds of that and at the 4 round my numbers went from 28 to 86. They want to continue with the Avastin however they said they may add Doxil i have seen some of the recent post on Doxil i saw someone mention they had rare side effect to doxil could you elaborate on what those side effects where. My other question was they mentioned if the Avastin works they would continue with it as maitenance for life. WHAT the heck does that mean? How often is maintenance and has anyone been on Avastin for long time. I know i can ask my oncologist these questions however i value all of your opions more. Thank you so much in advance for your opinions and advice!

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #2
    Hello Alnik

    I have not had experience with Avastin or Doxil, so I can't answer your question. I just wanted to say that I am very sorry about your recurrence and I hope that you will get back to NED soon.

    Avastin (Bevacizumab) has been shown to help women with ovarian cancer live longer without their disease getting worse in four large phase III clinical trials (GOG 0218, ICON7, OCEANS and AURELIA), and Avastin was approved for the treatment of women with newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer (front-line treatment) in Europe in December 2011.

    In October 2012 Avastin in combination with carboplatin and gemcitabine was approved in Europe for treatment of women with first recurrence of platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who have not received prior therapy with bevacizumab or other VEGF inhibitors or VEGF receptor-targeted agents. Avastin is administered in combination with carboplatin and gemcitabine for 6 and up to 10 cycles, followed by continued use of Avastin as single agent until disease progression. The recommended dose of Avastin is 15 mg/kg of body weight given once every 3 weeks as an intravenous infusion.

    To my knowledge Avastin has not yet been approved by FDA for ovarian cancer in USA and Canada and that causes issues with insurance approval. 

     

  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #3
    Avastin

    I was on Avastin short term I had to stop because of blood pressure problems but some people do take it long term.

    Doxil is supposed to be an easier chemo but can cause skin problems, I just had one infusion of it so far and I was told to ice my hands and feet several times a day after the infusion. Also you are supposed to avoid anything hot, drinks food and spicy things like peppers. I was pretty tired for a few days but starting to febetter now  I hope this helps I will let you know how the second one goes on the 20th.

    Colleen

  • 123Miley
    123Miley Member Posts: 94
    #4
    I am on Doxil

    I have had some issues that are apparently rare - I did post about it on here a while back.  But for the most part we have gotten them under control.  My main issue was sever stomach pain - like the kind that left me in bed for two days writhing in pain.  Solution?  Quit drinking coffee (has more to do with hot liquids really).  I also have to watch out for spicey foods for the first several days after a treatment (I can actually go eat mexican food just have to watch the salsa - and NO jalapenos!  Found that out the hard way too.  I have had some skin issues - less hands and feet and more body - but again even they are better since I cut down on coffee.  Cold weather seems to be worse on my skin.  I am careful about what I wear for a few days - jeans, tight clothing that may rub etc.  And I am pretty sensitive to sun light - not crazy but have to be careful.  But other than that it has gone prety smoothly. I have been on monthly treatments since January and so far so good.  WAY better than carbo and taxol!  The plan is to keep me on Doxil for as long as it works!  

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